Calligraphic character synthesis using a brush model

This paper proposes a novel methodology which allows calligraphic writings to be synthesized realistically. Our approach models the physical process of brush stroke creation and consists of three separate aspects, namely, the physical geometry of the writing brush, the dynamic movement, e.g. the position and orientation, of the brush along the stroke trajectory, and the amount of ink absorbed in the brush bundle as well as the ink depositing process. By controlling these physical parameters associated with the writing process, very realistic appearance of calligraphic writings can be generated. In particular, the aesthetic features commonly associated with calligraphy, such as the varying widths of a stroke, the impression of physical rubbing between the brush and the underlying paper, the varying shades of grey caused by different degrees of ink content in the brush, and the black and white trails created by fast movement of a drying brush can be simulated. This is the first time when a physic-based model of a brush is used to synthesize calligraphic writings and the model has been implemented on a PC-based platform. © 1997 IEEE